How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're taking a huge risk when you purchase the German Shepherd pup. You'll be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog over many years.
Pet stores and online resources generally sell puppies from puppy mills that prioritize profits over animal welfare. Select a reputable breeding facility instead.
How to Select a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Before you purchase a German Shepherd pup, it's important to get to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to give you information about their dogs and breeding practices. They'll be willing to discuss genetic and health testing, early socialization, and the environment where their puppies are being raised.
The best place to start is with your local German Shepherd club or organization. Most breed clubs have an officer for puppy or secretary who can direct you in the right direction for reputable breeders in your area. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency to get the list of breeders who are licensed.
Make the effort to meet with a breeder in person after you've found one that meets your breed standards. You should seek out a clean, comfortable facility in which the mother dog and her puppies are kept in a secure. Ask about the puppy's fathers and siblings. You'll would like to verify that they've been checked for hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia eye problems, heart disease, and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should also be able to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical record and an up-to-date vaccination schedule. They should have a good relationship with a vet who can perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able provide you with the name of the doctor and phone number, and also give you consultation notes.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they might have regarding your lifestyle and living circumstances. This may hinder them from selling a puppy to you. If they know that you have young children they might not want to sell you a German Shepherd puppy because they can be aggressive towards children.
You should also expect a reputable breeder to ask you to sign an agreement for the purchase of your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should include information about the parents and their AKC registration number, and an option to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an excellent method breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and ensure they have a good home.
Health Tests
Breeders who are trustworthy will test the health of the dogs they intend to use as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't create pups that have an inherited illness. These tests include hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and Bloat.
In addition to health screening breeders who are trustworthy gain personal knowledge of the temperaments and health of each dog they own. They also share this information in full and openly with other breeders and potential buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.
These health tests look for genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also help breeders make better informed choices about mating which will decrease the incidence of hereditary disease in the coming generations.
Typical genetic tests include:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front legs. These joint disorders that cause degeneration cause pain and discomfort but can be managed by the control of weight, exercise restrictions as well as supplements and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure accurate results.
The OFA test is designed to detect the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transformational vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. This test is not completely foolproof, however, and does not determine whether dogs will develop degenerative myelopathy or other spinal diseases later in life.
Socialization
GSDs require intense physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay engaged. They can easily become bored, and lack of activity can lead to destructive behavior like excessive digging or eating shoes. The majority of these behaviors are a result of unmet emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is crucial for German Shepherd puppies. A good socialization program allows the puppy to gain confidence in new people and different environments. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will become scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization starts with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches puppies appropriate social signals and how to deal with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to various scents, sounds and sights. The puppies are taught to behave in the group. This is vital to their success as adults.
Introduce the puppy to a variety of household sounds, including vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed different outdoor sounds such as sirens, traffic and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not develop afraid or anxious of these stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate rate and positive reinforcement is used throughout the process.
During this time, it's crucial that the puppy interacts with different people and pets. einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen can reduce separation anxiety when the owner is away. A good example of this is when the dog is taken to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be allowed to interact in a safe, controlled manner with other dogs. At schäferhundwelpen , the interaction should be limited so that the dog does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact with older, more sociable and calm dogs. This will help the puppy understand that not all older, larger dogs are scary and it will help them to develop an appropriate temperament.
Training
German Shepherds need firm and consistent obedience training. It is important to get them into an early training class particularly when they are still young. This will allow them to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs. It is also a great time to introduce them to basic commands, such as sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog can learn these basic commands and commands, the more easy it will be for them to follow your instructions as they get older.
Territorial aggression can be a problem in many families with German Shepherds. They might be extremely protective of their homes and property, which can lead to them barking at other people or animals that enter their territory. Territorial behavior is averted by proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Other behavioral problems can be prevented through obedience training for German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained could be a nuisance to their neighbors and family members. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may ignore basic commands like "sit" and "down."
During their puppy years it is crucial to keep your German Shepherds in contact with new people, places, sights and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy is 16 weeks old as their brains are going through an important stage of development. If your German Shepherd is a protected puppy they'll likely encounter new experiences much more challenging as they grow older and become more prone to anxiety-based aggression and fear.
Many dog owners don't realize that a German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be content and peaceful. They are herders by nature and have a strong drive to please their humans, so if they don't have enough work to do, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, reduces "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's an excellent way to connect with your German Shepherd, too!